We’ve all seen the people selling tamales, lanterns, and political merchandise alongside the roads in the Morongo Basin. But are they legally allowed to sell there? Managing editor Tami Roleff says a new state law says, “yes”…
Last year, the California legislature passed SB 946, the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, in 2018, which became effective January 1. The law was designed to allow food vendors to legally sell their food on the streets, but it covers anyone who sells any food or merchandise. Under the law, California cities and municipalities can’t prohibit or limit the number of sidewalk vendors unless the regulations are directly related to “health, safety, or welfare concerns.” Cities can adopt restrictions related to the time, place, and manner of sidewalk vending, and can still require vendors to get a permit and business license. The vendors can be prohibited from setting up shop in strictly residential areas (although cities can’t prohibit vendors who walk through residential areas to sell their wares), and cities can impose regulations for public parks, farmers’ markets, and swap meets. The Town of Yucca Valley and the City of Twentynine Palms plan to hold public hearings in August or September to update their regulations.
